Isla Grande (or Ilha Grande in Portuguese) is an island in Brazil located in the bay that bears the same name.
It is located off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro and is part of the municipality of Angra dos Reis.
Vila do Abraão is the main town of the island, which has about 3,000 inhabitants.
For years the Cândido Mendes Penal Colony operated, where the most dangerous criminals in Brazil were sent.
The prison was deactivated in 1994 due to serious security problems and they ordered the demolition of the building. Currently, you can visit the ruins.
The island has an area of 193 km² and a coastline of approximately 130 km.
It has a rugged outline, with 34 small peninsulas, 7 inlets and 106 beaches.
Its topography is mountainous, with several peaks.
The Pico da Pedra d'Agua, with 1,031 meters above sea level, is the highest, and the Pico do Papagaio, with 982 meters above sea level.
Much of its area is located within the Ilha Grande State Park and the Aventureiro Marine Park, both of which are environmental protection areas.
Being an oceanic island, the sea has a strong influence on the climate. It is characterized by a tropical, hot and humid climate.
Ilha Grande is known as the Brazilian Caribbean, famous for its Lopes Mendes beach, considered one of the most attractive in all of Brazil. Also on the Atlantic Ocean side are the beaches of Dois Rios, Playa Aventureiro and Parnaioca.
And on the side that faces the mainland, the Feiticeira, Saco do Céu, Laguna Azul, Laguna Verde, Araçatiba, Ubatubinha, Abraozinho and Das Palmas beaches stand out, among others.
On the island there are no cars or motorized land transport, only walking, cycling or boating is allowed.
See more about the history of Ilha Grande
See also information on Angra dos Reis y Palmas.
